# TEN OF SWORDS The Ten of Swords depicts a man laying face down, killed by the ten swords piercing his back while a trail of blood runs from his body. The swords aren’t neatly lined up; they’re placed rather wildly, suggesting that he might not have seen his ending coming. Although the sky is dark with despair, a sun rises on the horizon, signifying hope and a new beginning, and the man’s spirit moving from this life to the next. The water is still, reflecting the ending of his suffering and finally being at peace. The scene is gruesome, yet strangely calm. ## 키워드 **정방향 (Upright):** Painful endings, dead end, death, betrayal, exhaustion, collapse, loss, failure, overly dramatic, closing one door so you can open the next **역방향 (Reversed):** Healing, recovery after loss, end of suffering, the worst is over, learning from hardship, perseverance, rising above, resisting endings ## BEGINNINGS ### 정방향 (Upright) There’s been a painful ending in your life, or something will end soon. It’s difficult to see through the pain right now. The Ten of Swords can also signify extreme exhaustion, on the border of collapse. **실천 사항 (Action):** Sometimes things happen that are out of our control and we have to take little steps each day to get by. The Ten of Swords brings painful endings, yes, but through that ending, something new will come. Have faith. Lean on friends and family right now. (Snacks and funny movies help too!) ### 역방향 (Reversed) There’s something in your life that needs to end, but you’re resisting it. Resisting endings will draw things out and make them that much harder. This card can also signify hitting rock bottom. **실천 사항 (Action):** Ask yourself: “Why am I experiencing resistance? What am I afraid of?” Change is inevitable and it will bring you growth, if you’ll let it. ## CAREER ### 정방향 (Upright) You know the dementors in Harry Potter? Those ones that suck out your soul? The Ten of Swords regarding your career is kind of like that. You’re exhausted, burnt out, and are on the edge of defeat. **실천 사항 (Action):** If you’re not able to leave your job for a new one, you’ve got to at least take a rest and let yourself recover. (FYI in Harry Potter, chocolate helps you recover from dementors . . . so, just saying, treating yourself to some chocolate couldn’t hurt either.) ### 역방향 (Reversed) This card suggests relief from the pain that the upright Ten of Swords brings. You’ve found a new job (or are looking for one), or the stress at work is settling down. If you were let go from your job, the reversed Ten of Swords brings you an ending so you can find a more aligned new beginning. **실천 사항 (Action):** Focus on recovery from here on out. Time to move on and up. ## MONEY ### 정방향 (Upright) Oy. The Ten of Swords brings financial crisis and loss. **실천 사항 (Action):** If you’re able to, start saving now. If you’re considering a risky financial move or investment, this card is a hard “no.” ### 역방향 (Reversed) There have been tough financial times, but you’re writing a new chapter in your money book. This card suggests focusing on recovery after financial loss. **실천 사항 (Action):** Take the lessons learned from the past and apply them moving forward. Seek professional financial guidance to help you come up with a plan to get back on solid ground. ## LOVE ### 정방향 (Upright) There’s an inevitable ending headed your way in your relationship —often this card does suggest a painful breakup. With a more positive spin, the Ten of Swords can mean that it’s the end of a painful chapter of your relationship and that you’re moving forward. If single, you’re still dealing with the pain from a previous relationship. **실천 사항 (Action):** Have faith that anything that’s ending is clearing the way for something more aligned for you. You will be okay. ### 역방향 (Reversed) You and your partner have made it through tough times, and are working toward healing and overcoming issues. If single, you’re focusing on healing from a breakup. **실천 사항 (Action):** Moving forward is the best thing you can do for you and your relationship right now. Focus on healing, accountability, and forgiveness. ## FRIENDS & FAMILY ### 정방향 (Upright) The dreaded friendship breakup is likely incoming. This card can also suggest being betrayed by someone close to you. **실천 사항 (Action):** Take comfort in the fact that certain people are meant to be in our lives for a temporary length of time. It’s okay to grow apart or for relationships to end. ### 역방향 (Reversed) If you’ve gone through a tough time recently, this card can suggest finding support in a friend or family member. **실천 사항 (Action):** Reach out to someone you trust to confide in them. Things feel easier to manage with extra support. ## HEALTH ### 정방향 (Upright) No sugar coating it here . . . something isn’t quite right! As swords cards tend to deal with thought, this card can reflect poor mental health on the verge of a breakdown. In a literal sense, it can suggest back issues. **실천 사항 (Action):** This card is a warning to slow down and take your health seriously. Things feel difficult now. The sooner you deal with them, the sooner you can step into the next chapter of your life. ### 역방향 (Reversed) Though gruesome in its imagery, the reversed Ten of Swords can represent healing and recovery. Notice how when the card is turned upside down, the swords are falling out of the man? He’s no longer in pain and can begin the recovery process. **실천 사항 (Action):** Don’t rush the process and ask for help when you need it. ## HIGHER GUIDANCE ### 정방향 (Upright) There’s no beating around the bush that, well, things kind of really stink right now. The Ten of Swords brings painful endings or good-byes, and it can leave you feeling wiped out. **실천 사항 (Action):** You’re being guided to practice acceptance. Likely, the painful events were beyond your control and sometimes we have to surrender. Take the time you need to mourn, and have faith that the sun is rising on the horizon. ### 역방향 (Reversed) Stop resisting. When you read that sentence, what came to mind? That’s what you’re being guided to release your white-knuckle grip on. **실천 사항 (Action):** It hurts to let go. The sooner you’re able to do so, the sooner you can embrace the things that await you on the other side. ## OUTCOME ### 정방향 (Upright) If you continue on the path you’re on, things likely won’t be good. Ruin, collapse, failure, the final nail in the coffin . . . These are all things that come to mind. **실천 사항 (Action):** Know, though, that some things are meant to end. Are you ready to deal with the painful reality that comes if they do? Reevaluate your path and plan, and let your intuition guide you. ### 역방향 (Reversed) The journey ahead will feel like going to hell and back (or Mordor and back if you’re a Tolkien fan). Recovery and renewal will come with it too. **실천 사항 (Action):** You’re closing the end of a painful cycle. Things will get harder before they get better, but they will get better.